Saint Johns Church

Amidst the bustle of Detroit, a beacon of faith and history stands tall: St. John’s Episcopal Church. St. John’s isn’t just any church. It’s a survivor, a testament to Detroit’s ever-evolving landscape. Imagine Detroit in 1858, a time when orchards and farms dotted the land where skyscrapers now reach for the sky. In this tranquil setting, the seeds of St. John’s were sown. Henry Porter Baldwin, a prominent merchant who later served as both Michigan’s governor and a US senator, spearheaded the effort. He envisioned a new Episcopal parish. He generously donated land. This land, once an apple orchard, became the foundation for St. John’s, at the corner of Woodward and High Street. A modest chapel, seating just 150, was dedicated in 1859. But the burgeoning congregation quickly outgrew this small space. A grander church was commissioned, also designed by Jordan & Anderson, the architects of the original chapel. This magnificent structure was consecrated in December 1861, just months after the start of the Civil War. St. John’s is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. It’s built of rubble limestone, with Kelly Island sandstone trim. It boasts buttresses, hammer beam trusses, and decorative gargoyles perched along the roofline. Inside, galleries cantilever on three sides. Originally, there were no supporting piers beneath the roof, creating an open, auditorium-like feel. St. John’s has witnessed and adapted to significant changes throughout Detroit’s history. In 1892, the chancel was deepened, necessitating the relocation of the original chapel ten feet eastward. Then, in 1936, Woodward Avenue was widened. The entire church, including the chapel, was moved a remarkable 60 feet back from the street. Imagine the feat of engineering involved in shifting such a massive structure. Today, as you stand before St. John’s, you’re not just looking at a church. You’re looking at a living piece of Detroit’s history, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring power of faith. The church’s stained-glass windows, installed between 1880 and 1954, offer a glimpse into the evolution of this art form. St. John’s stands as a reminder of the city’s rich and complex past, a beacon of hope amidst the urban landscape.